Taylor Swift's ex-boyfriend sparks fans' fascination with 'cartoon mice' look, but 'hottest men alive'

Gen Z reports that the "hot rodent man" or "sexy rat boyfriend" is the most popular dating trend during summer.

The magazine Dazed described a rough definition of rodent handsome men as being slimmer than muscular, with sharp, angular features. Despite not being traditionally attractive, they are considered even more alluring.

The Daily Mail reported that women desire a loyal, unconventionally attractive partner with sharp eyes and angular faces, commonly referred to as a hot rodent boyfriend, while personality is also crucial.

The outlet emphasized that humor should be combined with sensitivity and the ability to connect with others in a meaningful way.

Patti Stanger, a matchmaker, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that the trend is generally positive.

Stanger expressed his view that it's positive that we are shifting away from traditional male looks and that women are appreciating diversity in men's features. He hopes this trend will extend to women as well.

Matty Healy, Taylor Swift's ex-boyfriend, is often cited as a "hot rodent man."

In 2019, someone on X described Matty Healy as "sexy but in a rat-like way," which was the original version of the term before it became popular this year.

In 2023, after her split from her six-year boyfriend, Joe Alwyn, it was reported that the 1975 frontman and Taylor Swift briefly dated.

Despite never officially confirming their relationship, the pair seemed to part ways almost immediately after getting together. Nevertheless, many fans speculate that several songs on her latest album, "Tortured Poets Department," hint at their romance, including "Fortnight," featuring Post Malone, and "Down Bad."

Travis Kelce is now dating Swift, while Gabbriette Bechtel has recently become engaged to Healy. His mother confirmed the news on ITV's "Loose Women" talk show.

Other male celebrities have been referred to as "hot rodent men" online.

The film's premiere in April was greatly aided by the performances of Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist in "Challengers."

In that movie, Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor, despite appearing like cartoon mice, are the hottest men alive.

The sexual energy the pair exuded on screen with co-star Zendaya was what made them appealing, not just their looks.

"It's the sex, stupid," the X user wrote.

Another person stated, "The masses (including myself) requested actors with more intriguing facial expressions, and our wish was granted with the condition that they be referred to as 'hot rodent men.'"

Some have pointed out that the nickname isn't the most flattering way to express admiration.

Someone wrote, "I am not as attractive as Jeremy Allen White or Josh O'Connor, so I don't need to worry about it. However, if someone said I had a 'real hot rodent thing going on,' I wouldn't be offended."

"Stranger stated that they do not like the term "rodent" and believe a better name can be developed, despite their similarities."

Many "sexy rat boyfriends" are thriving in their dating lives, whether traditional or not.

Travis Barker, despite being older than typical "hot rodents," has consistently been found attractive by fans due to both his appearance and tattoos.

Kourtney Kardashian is Baker's second wife, following his marriage to Shanna Moakler.

Barker and Kardashian were longtime friends before getting married in Italy in 2022. They have one child together and three from previous relationships.

Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet, a popular Gen Z celebrity known for his acting talent and unique heartthrob appearance, have been speculated to be dating since April 2023. They were captured on camera together at the 2023 Golden Globes. Despite the rumors, neither has confirmed the relationship publicly.

Irish actor Barry Keoghan has gained popularity as a sex symbol due to his roles in "Eternals" and his Oscar-nominated performance in "Saltburn," and he recently announced his relationship with singer Sabrina Carpenter.

The couple made their red carpet debut at the Vanity Fair Oscars party and appeared together at the Met Gala. Additionally, Keoghan recently appeared in the music video for Carpenter's latest single, "Please Please Please," portraying a modernized version of Bonnie and Clyde.

"I apologize to those I mocked, all it took for me to fancy Barry Keoghan was for him to wink in the presence of Sabrina Carpenter and have his arms slightly on show. He is now officially locked in for rat boy summer," a fan wrote on X.

Stanger sees the trend, and likely others, continuing into the future.

"As more individuals gain fame for their talents rather than looks, this trend is likely to persist."

"There is debate about whether Jeremy Allen White, the star of "The Bear," fits the "hot rodent" description or if he belongs in a different category, "bird hot.""

A fan wrote on X that Jeremy Allen White is not a sexy rat, but rather my beautiful pet cockatiel.

Another exclaimed, "I cannot express this to you, but Jeremy Allen White is not a rodent man! He is a bird man! They are distinct!"

The Associated Press contributed to this report.